Why? Is it really that much harder than another car or is it just a good idea since they are so redily available and affordable now? I did have one person who I consulted before buying my Jetta say that the owners she had talked to who have always changed their own oil have the dealer do it on their VWs because it's a pain.

Heh, I just watched the demo video, have to admit that's pretty fricken cool.

It's just a preference. Changing the oil on a VW TDI is probably easier than most other engines because the oil filter is on top. Otherwise, there's no difference. People who say it's hard have probably never tried and assume it's harder because it's a VW.

A lot of people who change their oil from underneath argue that it's important to get under the engine once in a while to check for leaks and other problems. One could argue for both methods.

It's just a preference. Changing the oil on a VW TDI is probably easier than most other engines because the oil filter is on top. Otherwise, there's no difference. People who say it's hard have probably never tried and assume it's harder because it's a VW.

A lot of people who change their oil from underneath argue that it's important to get under the engine once in a while to check for leaks and other problems. One could argue for both methods.

This topic has been discussed ad nauseam on the site. I'll relate my personal experience and call it done...
When we first bought the Jetta, I did topside oil changes. Then, I got tired of waiting for the extractor to suck all the oil out. After about 40k miles, I went back to bottom side oil changes.
Fast forward to 130k mile mark...if I had still done the topside oil changes, I would have missed the fact that both CV boots were starting to tear. I caught them before grease was leaking and NO road debris got inside the CV.

Personally, the ability to get under the car to inspect common wear items far outweighs the 'convenience' factor of topside oil changes. The reality is that there is no time savings to be realized between top side and bottom side oil changes.

In addition to the above tools suggestions....
Blitz Ramps - plastic, lightweight, and durable (12k lb load)
Triple Square bits (metalnerd.com)
VCDS (was vag-com)...can't stress it enough!
Timing Belt tools...when you get near 100k miles, though, IIRC, the '09 and up are good for 120K.